Charities

Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity sits firmly at the heart of the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, raising money to ensure that our young patients and their families receive the best possible care and experience.

Last summer we moved from Yorkhill Hospital to the new children's hospital, and although our name has changed our mission remains the same. We need your continued support to help the 160,000 babies, children and young people who are treated at the new children's hospital every year.

Calums Cabin was set up in February 2007 following the loss of Calums Speirs who was only 12. Calum had been diagnosed in January 2006 with an inoperable brain tumour, Calum fought for 13 months but lost his fight on 16th February 2007 which Calums Cabin became reality.

Two years to the day after losing Calum. Calums Cabin was officially opened. Calums Cabin is a holiday house on the Isle of Bute where children suffering from cancer and cancer related diseases come with their families, to spend quality time together, make irreplaceable memories and recharge their batteries for what may lie ahead. By the end of November 2011 the committee of Calums Cabin knew that demand was so high and that they were turning so many families away that Calums Cabin Cottage was purchased and opened in March 2012. Since opening the cottage has been the same as the cabin full!! Last year alone the charity helped 103 families including 311 children. This year the cabin and cottage (second week in January) are now fully booked until November and part of December is booked also, families come from all over the UK. The demand is so great that this year the charity are purchasing 18 weeks from Mountstuart private rental accommodation to help the demand.

The average running costs of the cabin and cottage are between $335 and £600 per week per family. They costs are made up by ferry fares for the families, £100 spending money each when arrive on the Island, heating, utilities, cleaning, insurance and activities on the island such as open top bus, castle etc.

The charity also run a local charity shop on the island to help generate running costs as well as events e.g bag packing, race nights, marathons, Ladies Afternoon Teas, and this year Calums Cabin is a partner of the Glasgow Kiltwalk on Sunday 12 April, when we hope to have a team of over 200 walkers on the day.

More information about Calums Cabin can be found on their web page www.calumscabin.com or via facebook and twitter.

Today, 10 children and young people in the UK will hear the shocking news that they have cancer.

Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Being diagnosed with cancer is a frightening experience and the emotional, practical and financial implications of treatment are intensely challenging for the whole family.

CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people, and their families. We provide clinical, practical, financial and emotional support to help them cope with cancer and get the most out of life. We are there from diagnosis onwards and aim to help the whole family deal with the impact of cancer and its treatment, life after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.